Valentines, babies and birthdays

Tuesday February 11th

Effort! That's what it took for me to walk 4 miles today. The weather was lousy. Wind and rain were forecast for most of the day so I decided to just get on with it. I layered up with extra clothing for the walk as there is no pleasure for me in walking in cold wet clothes. I put lycra running shorts under my trousers and a t- shirt and a hoody under my waterproof jacket, zipped up the jacket and set off.
The wind was blowing fiercely and the rain splattered my face and my glasses so it was difficult to see where I was walking. I put my head down and just kept walking.
Once again, I had no route planned and I ended up walking around Stoughton, past our old house in Gloucester Road, scene of many a barbecue and party back in the day. The miles seemed to take ages to achieve. I kept checking my phone to make sure that I hadn't paused or switched off the app by mistake.The first mile went by and the voice from my iPhone told me it had taken me 17.02 minutes. 17.02 minutes!! I haven't walked that slowly in a long time so I was spurred on to quicken my pace and step it out. By the time I had completed the 4 miles I was back to 15 minute miles....just about.
I think that the wind and rain definitely hampered my pace as I was walking into the wind for a good part of the walk. I should also take into account that I walked 12 miles 2 days ago and that my muscles are probably a bit weary. Having said that, my legs and hips were no problem today which is good news.
I have to say that I have been really fortunate thus far with my sessions weatherwise. Considering the amount of rain that we have had, I have rarely walked in the rain or got soaked to the skin. Long may that continue.

Thursday February 13th

Another 5 miles under my belt this afternoon. This was achieved after I had been down to our beach hut in the morning where I unceremoniously slid in the mud and ended up on my backside - new coat covered in mud and relieved that there was nobody but Russ and the dog to see my fall from grace.
5 miles ought to be a breeze after the miles I have been walking but today was another slog and it was a case of stepping out of the front door and putting one foot in front of the other until I was told that I had reached my goal. The weather was glorious, especially compared to the dreadful weather we have been experiencing over the last few weeks. The sun was shining and the sky was blue. The afternoon was too good to be wasted by sitting indoors.
This evening will see me working another night shift and then it's half term. Yippee! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and my daughter's 29th birthday. I wonder if I will get a card? Flowers? We'll soon see!
On Saturday I am going to a local spa for a morning of pampering and relaxation with said daughter for her birthday. I am really looking forward to a back and shoulder massage!

Friday February 14th

Happy Valentine's Day and happy birthday to my daughter. What a day! Floods all over the place, rain all day long in Guildford and this evening yet more gale force winds. The idea of going for any kind of walk was not very appealing. However, my husband had the marvelous idea of going to the gym and doing my 6 miles on the treadmill. Obvious really when you think about it but the thought never crossed my mind. I thought that I would just put off the session until tomorrow.
Now, I haven't set foot in the gym since the end of November so I was a little anxious about going back. The equipment has been updated since my last visit and when you enter the gym you have to go into what looks like a transporter from Star Trek. All very impressive. Russ helped me to set up the treadmill and off I went.
I have no idea why but walking on the treadmill seemed much harder than road-walking. I felt that I had really stepped it out at a good pace but the 15 minute miles were hard to achieve. I did them but it was hard work.
Another session where my face was puce by the end. I posted a 'before' picture on Facebook that got a few comments....imagine what comments I would have got if had posted an 'after' shot!
6 miles done and I'm on track. My weight loss continues steadily despite eating Cadbury's mini eggs like they're going out of fashion. For the first time in about a year I am under 13 stone. I know 13 stone is a lot and I know I'm overweight but to be under that is good for me. I have no doubt that I'll put it on again once
Silverstone has been and gone but for now I'm very happy.
I'm off to have a gin and tonic and pack my bag for our spa visit tomorrow. Night night.

Sunday February 16th

Yesterday was spa day and it was heavenly. 4 hours of sauna, steam room, jacuzzi (sp?!) and pool finished off with a back, neck and shoulder massage and a healthy lunch. I also got to spend a little time with my gorgeous grandchildren which was an added bonus. They are a constant delight to me and I love them.
Following on from the spa I received a phone call to say that my precious beach hut had been affected by the storm of the previous night. The hut was still in once piece but had been moved by the wind and the sea and it had another hut leaning against it. This hut owner lark isn't all it's cracked up to be...a break in last month and Mother Nature doing her bit this month. Anyway, the hut is OK and  I hope to go down to see it this week.
The evening saw an unexpected visit to Godalming and a lovely couple of hours with various daughters and a son in law eating pizza and drinking Prosecco. I then received a a message from my bestest friend.... my godson's wife was in labour and it was all systems go. A little while later came the message that Emilie Rose Cox had arrived safe and sound. Mum and daughter doing great. What a delightful end to the day. She also arrived on my brother's birthday!
Today has seen me shopping for a dress to wear to a wedding....not for me I hasten to add.....and then an evening trip to the gym where I was supposed to do an 8 mile walk but I only did 4 miles. 4 miles in 57 minutes though so I was delighted with that.
I feel as if I have got the mileage under my belt now and I just want the half marathon to get here. I am so determined to do it, and myself, justice and do it for Jonathan.
2 weeks to go..........bring it on!!!

A xx

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